Brittany Ballard, Author at The Austinot

Caverns in Texas – 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

August 12, 2023 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Caverns in Texas – 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Looking for caverns in Texas? Want to explore the best caves in Texas? Luckily, there’s a great mix of both in Austin!

Before we dive into the different bat caves in Texas or caverns Texas has to offer, what’s the difference between the two? Well, while used interchangeably, a cave is a naturally occurring cavity in the ground that is large enough for a human to enter. On the other hand, a cavern is a larger cave, typically with high ceilings and open chambers.

Let’s check out the best “salt cave near me” or cool tavern that everyone should visit at least once! Here’s our list of Austin Caves and Caverns in Texas for your next adventure!

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our recent articles Swimming Holes in Texas, Austin Lakes, and Waterfalls in Texas.

Deal Alert – Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Get a comprehensive overview of Austin on this sightseeing tour. See famous landmarks along with hidden gems, real neighborhoods, and food trucks. Learn about Austin’s history and culture with commentary from your guide and hear fun facts about the city that even the locals don’t know. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon departure to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

Get more information and book your Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide TODAY!!!

Caverns in Texas – Austin Caves

Inner Space Cavern

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Inner Space Cavern

This cavern is known for its well-preserved fossils, including the remains of a saber-toothed cat and a giant ground sloth. If this showed up in the results for “cavern near me,” it also has a variety of other unique formations, including cave bacon!

Location: 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Adventure Tour $21.95 per adult (Monday – Thursday); $15.95 per child (4-12 years old) & $22.95 per adult (Friday – Sunday); $16.95 per child (4-12 years old); Children under 3 years old FREE | Hidden Passages Tour $26.95 per adult (Monday – Thursday); $18.95 per child (7-12 years old) & $27.95 per adult (Friday – Sunday); $19.95 per child (4-12 years old) | Wild Cave Tour $125 per person (13 years old+) | Ice Age Tour $28.95 per person (13 years old+); $20.95 per child (6-12 years old)

Driving time from Austin: ~28 minutes

Longhorn Caverns State Park

This is one of the Texas caverns that are known for its large, open chambers and its colorful formations. Longhorn Caverns was once used as a hideout by the infamous outlaw Sam Bass.

Location: 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: Cavern Walking Tour $22.25 per adult (12 years old+); $18.25 per child (4-11 years old) | Wild Cave Tour $100.25 per person

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 8 minutes

Natural Bridge Caverns

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Natural Bridge Caverns

Looking for “cave tours near me?” These are the largest known commercial caverns in the U.S. state of Texas. The caverns are home to a variety of unique formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and cave pearls. They also have a 60-foot natural limestone bridge that spans the entrance to the caverns.

Location: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Operating Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
Cost: St. Mary’s Adventure Tour $129.99 per person | Discovery Adventure Tour $169.99 per person | Adult Cavern Tour $26.50 – $32.75

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 5 minutes

The Cave Without a Name

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: The Cave Without a Name

A top contender for “caverns near me,” this one is known for its unusual formations, including cave popcorn, which are small, round formations that look like popcorn kernels. Cave Without a Name also has a variety of other unique features, including a waterfall that flows through the cave and a room that is filled with thousands of bats.

Location: 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: Children under 6 years old FREE | Standard $22 per adult; $11 per child (6-12 years old) | Military/Senior $20 per adult; $10 per child (6-12 years old) | Group Rates (12 or more paying guests) $17 per adult; $9.25 per child (6-12 years old)

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 37 minutes

Caverns of Sonora

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Caverns of Sonora

Another one of the caverns in TX, the Caverns of Sonora is known for its beautiful formations, including helictites, which are twisted, spiraling formations that are rarely found in other caves near Austin Texas. These Texas caverns also have a variety of wildlife, including bats, cave crickets, and cave salamanders.

Location: 1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Crystal Palace Tour Children under 4 years old FREE; $28 per adult; $22 per child (4-11 years old) | Horseshoe Lake Tour Children under 4 years old FREE; $24 per adult; $18 per child (4-11 years old)

Driving time from Austin: ~3 hours & 30 minutes

Cascade Caverns

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Cascade Caverns

These could be the “best caverns near me” as the Cascade Caverns are known for their waterfalls and their variety of formations. Cascade Caverns is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, cave crickets, and cave salamanders.

Location: 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX 78015
Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Daily Downunder Tours Children under 4 years old FREE; $19.95 per adult; $14.95 per child (4-11 years old)

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 33 minutes

Deal Alert – Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour

Want to see the best of Austin and Hill County in the comfort of an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz sprinter van with a local guide? Look no further! In 90 minutes, this signature tour covers 30 miles and 50+ points of interest, including the Texas Capitol and East Austin’s Six Square District, to give you a taste of the city’s rich culture and history. For even more exploration (with stops), check out the 2.5-hour version of this tour. Route subject to changes or substitutions.

Get more information and book your Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour TODAY!!!

Caverns in Texas – Best Caves in Austin

Colorado Bend State Park

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Colorado Bend State Park

This park has some of the best Texas caves near Austin and is also a popular spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.

Location: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824
Operating Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Cost: Adventure Tour $25 per person (8 years old+)

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 42 minutes

Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Wonder World Cave Adventure Park

Choose this option out of all of the different suggestions in “cave near me.” Wonder World Cave is known for its colorful formations and its variety of wildlife!

Location: 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | Saturday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Cost: Cave Tour Children under 4 years old FREE; $23.95 per adult; $17.95 per child (4-12 years old) | Train Ride Children under 4 years old FREE; $14.95 per person | All-in-one Ticket $7 Children under 4 years old & $5 per military child; $31.95 per adult & $26.95 per military adult; $23 per child (4-12 years old) & $18.95 per military child; $26.95 per Senior Citizen (65 years old+)

Driving time from Austin: ~36 minutes

Kickapoo Cavern State Natural Area

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Kickapoo Cavern

This cave Texas is home to is known for its large, open chambers and its colorful formations. The State Park is also a popular spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.

Location: 20939 Ranch to Market Rd 674 N, Brackettville, TX 78832
Operating Hours: Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Cost: Cave tour $10 per person

Driving time from Austin: ~3 hours & 46 minutes

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Devil’s Sinkhole

Enjoy one of the coolest cave tours in Texas and the Devil’s Sinkhole, a cavern that’s more than 350ft deep!

Location: Rocksprings, TX 78880
Operating Hours: Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Morning Bat Flight Tours $20 per adult; $10 per child (1-11 years old) | Evening Bat Flight Tour Children under 4 years old FREE; $14 per adult; $11 per senior (65 years old+); $6 per child (4-12 years old)

Driving time from Austin: ~2 hours & 55 minutes

Bracken Cave

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Bracken Cave

This is one of the “caves to explore near me” that is home to the largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in the world. Bracken Cave is also a popular spot for cave tours and bat-watching.

Location: 26101 FM3009, San Antonio, TX 78266
Operating Hours: Not stated
Cost: Member Bat Flights $10 per adult | Public Bat Flights $30 per person

Driving time from Austin: ~1 hour & 15 minutes

Frio Bat Cave

Caverns San Antonio - 12 Best Texas Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Caverns in Texas | Image Credit: Frio Bat Cave

As one of the most popular caves in Texas, the bat flight is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can watch the bats from a viewing platform located near the cave.

Location: Farm to Market 2690, Concan, TX 78838
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 pm
Cost: Bat Tour Children under 6 years old FREE; $12 per adult; $10 per child (6-10 years old); $11 per military/veteran/first responder; $11 per senior (60 years old+)

Driving time from Austin: ~2 hours & 29 minutes

If you were trying to search for Austin caverns or Austin caves or or Austin cave or Texas caverns near Austin TX or caverns near Austin Texas caves near me or salt caves near me or cavern tours near me or cave tour near me or crystal caves near me or cave in Texas, then we hope you found this post useful! Feel free to comment below and let us know how we could improve our articles.

Looking for Caverns in other cities? Check out these articles – Caverns Houston and Caverns San Antonio.

Stay up to date on all fun things going on in Austin with our weekly updates to Things to Do in Austin this Week, Things to Do in Austin this Weekend, & Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend

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Best Dessert in Austin – 10 Places to enjoy sweet desserts near you

February 14, 2023 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Best Dessert in Austin – Dessert Places in Austin

Austin, Texas is a culinary hotspot, renowned for its diverse and delicious food scene. While it’s well-known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and barbecue, the city also boasts a plethora of outstanding dessert Austin TX options.

Locals and visitors alike often wonder where to find the best dessert in Austin. Luckily, the city is home to a wide variety of Austin sweets shop, bakeries, and restaurants serving up delectable treats, making it easy to satisfy any sweet tooth.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy dessert in Austin is by exploring the city’s many dessert spots. These establishments offer a range of sweets, from artisanal chocolates to decadent cakes and pastries. Some of the best dessert places in Austin include Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, and Delysia Chocolatier. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder that dessert Austin is a topic of conversation among foodies and locals alike.

When it comes to finding the best dessert in Austin, TX, there are plenty of options to consider. Some of the top choices include Bananarchy and Lick Honest Ice Creams. Other popular spots for Austin TX dessert include The Baked Bear and Manolis.

For those looking to indulge in the best desserts downtown Austin offers, there’s plenty to choose from, too! So whether you’re in the mood for a classic chocolate chip cookie or a gourmet dessert creation, the best desserts in Austin has you covered.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, remember to check out our articles on Date Ideas Austin, Romantic Restaurants in Austin, Best Italian Restaurants in Austin, and Best Austin Restaurants with a View!

Deal Alert – Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

Save time looking up bus schedules and opt for this hassle-free Austin sightseeing bus tour instead. Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area. Along the way, listen to commentary from a guide, get great photos from the top deck, or sit in the climate-controlled lower deck. Highlights include 6th Street, The Museum of the Weird, The Driskill hotel, the Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

Get more information and check out the Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour TODAY!!!

Best Dessert in Austin – Austin Sweets Shop

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop

Image Credit: Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop FB Page

Well-known bakery offering cupcakes, cookies, bars & mini-pies in a vintage space with a few seats.
Where: 1905 South 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Teddy V. Pâtisserie

Image Credit: Teddy V. Pâtisserie IG Page

If you haven’t had one of the cookies from Teddy V. Pâtisserie, then I highly recommend adding them to your must-try list. One look at these chocolate chip cookies and I knew that I needed one to satisfy my sweet tooth. They’re a one-third pound of delicious sweetness (and don’t even get me started on how good they are once warmed up!).
Where: Multiple locations with different times

Delysia Chocolatier

Image Credit: delysia.com

If chocolate is your best friend, then you’ll love Delysia Chocolatier. They offer handcrafted, award-winning gourmet chocolate. They’ve got a variety of truffle boxes that you can order online and get shipped directly to your home. From their Berry collection to their Italian collection to their Spirits collection, they’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone.
Where: 2000 Windy Terrace #2c, Austin, TX 78726
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Bananarchy

Image Credit: Bananarchy FB Page

Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. Does anything sound better than that? Bananarchy offers your choice of banana heaven with options like Peanut Butter Pie Banana, Cookie Crumble Banana, or the GOB (which doubles the banana and deliciousness). If none of those are your cup of tea, then you can build your own banana as well!
Where: 1311 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Deal Alert – Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Get more information and check out the Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide TODAY!!!

Best Dessert in Austin – Dessert Places in Austin

The Baked Bear

Image Credit: The Baked Bear FB Page

Decadent build-your-own custom ice cream sandwiches with artisanal ice cream & house-made cookies.
Where: 211 Walter Seaholm Drive Suite LR150, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Tiff’s Treats

Image Credit: Tiff’s Treats FB Page

I always enjoy it when someone gets Tiff’s Treats delivered to the office and everyone ends up getting a share. If you’ve never gotten one of these dessert deliveries, let me fill you in on what you’re missing: delectable warm cookies or brownies that will make your mouth water. Seriously, it’s like they just got pulled out of the oven.
Where: Multiple Locations
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Manolis

Image Credit: Manolis FB Page

Manolis is a one-stop shop for all desserts. This family-owned food truck offers a wide variety of sweet treats made in-house. They are all perfect for hot Texas summer days. Grab ice cream, paletas (ice pops and cake pops), Italian ice, shakes, or any of their delicious hand-crafted pastries.
Where: 8907 Circle Dr, Austin, TX 78736
Operating Hours: Friday – Sunday 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Hayleycakes and Cookies

Image Credit: Hayleycakes and Cookies FB Page

“Mostly sweet and a little bit sassy,” is what the Hayleycakes Instagram profile reads. And you’ll find that true as you scroll through their feed full of the most adorable—and hilarious—cookies and cakes. You’ll be able to find cookies designed for any type of person. Want to try your hand at decorating your own cookies? They also sell decoration kits so you can create your own perfect dessert!
Where: 1700 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tiny Pies

Image Credit: Tiny Pies FB Page

If you’re a pie lover, then Tiny Pies is the place for you. This local family-owned business sells the cutest little pies small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They’ve got all the popular flavors, such as apple, pecan, and cherry. I’m also a fan of the gluten-free chocolate pot de creme (a lifesaver when I was dealing with sore teeth from braces tightening). Their menu does change, so new and rotating flavors pop up all the time!
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Lick Honest Ice Cream

Image Credit: Lick Honest Ice Cream FB Page

Lick Honest Ice Cream is another Austin favorite, and I completely understand why. They offer delicious and unique ice cream flavors. Their everyday flavors include Caramel Salt Lick, Coffee with Cream, Texas Sheet Cake, and more. Venture over to their season flavors to see fun options like Strawberry Jalapeno and Horchata. They’ve even got a special flavor right now that uses Teddy V. cookies!
Where: Multiple locations with different times

Deal Alert – Check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Austin

Check out current discounts at highly rated kids’ activities including museums, horse-riding lessons, music lessons, gymnastics, aquarium admission, and more! Sometimes you can save as much as 75%, so make sure you check these deals on a regular basis and SAVE BIG while taking care of yourself!

Get more information and check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Austin!

Fluff Meringues & More (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

Back in 2019, I saw Fluff Meringues & More popping up everywhere. Y’all, I’m sad to share that I’d never had a meringue before! But Fluff opened my eyes up to the world of these delicious sweets. Although I highly recommend trying out the meringues, they also offer desserts like macarons, scones, jam, and an afternoon tea tower (of which I need to try).

NadaMoo! Ice Cream (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)

Whoever thought of merging ice cream and tacos was a genius. NadaMoo! is offering mouthwatering ice cream taco DIY kits, which can serve up to 12 people (or one person for 12 days), and come with your choice of four pints of NadaMoo! Ice cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and Siete taco shells. You can also stop by to get a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor, shake, or more.

Do you know of any places with the best dessert Austin offers? Share them with us in the comments below and let’s all discover the best dessert in Austin!

Stay up to date on all fun things going on in Austin with our weekly updates to Things to do in Austin this Week, Things to do in Austin this Weekend, & Things to do in Austin with Kids this Weekend And to have these updates delivered directly to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking on the …next to the search lens icon

Ice Skating in Austin – Chaparral Ice & Fields in Cedar Park

November 29, 2021 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Ice Skating in Austin – Image Credit: Chaparral Ice & Fields

While ice activities may not be the norm here in Central Texas, Chaparral Ice is curating memorable experiences for all who visit. Even when the Texas temperatures get too high, you can grab a pair of skates and glide into winter temperatures!

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Find Your Last-Minute Holiday Gifts with The Austinot’s 2020 Gift Guide

December 21, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

We’ve somehow made it to the end of 2020. With Christmas just around the corner (literally!), it’s time to go through your list and check it twice. Although the holidays look a little different this year, it’s still easy to grab some last-minute holiday gifts from your local faves to spread a little bit of happiness to your loved ones. Keep reading to see where to shop this year!

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10 Austin Veteran-Owned Businesses

November 11, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Austin businesses — Shop at these local, veteran-owned businesses (Credit: Achim Thiemermann).

This Veteran’s Day, I’d like to shine the spotlight on some of Austin’s Veteran-owned businesses. From cybersecurity protection to coffee roasting to recruiting veterans, you’ll want to check out these 10 businesses and learn about the amazing things that they’re doing.

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House of ZZ Creates Sustainable and Eco-Focused Swimwear

October 26, 2020 by Brittany Ballard 1 Comment

woman wearing black one-piece swimsuit — Patricia Zajacova shot by Michael Pennick (@therawinstinct) / wearing the Violetta one piece

One of my favorite things about Austin is that there is an almost never ending list of activities to do and events to attend. At the top of that list of activities are all the things that allow one to splash into some water-filled fun: swimming in Barton Springs, paddleboarding in Lady Bird Lake, or even heading out to San Marcos to float the river. Anything to get some relief from the Texas summer heat, right?

And when you’re swimming, you’re going to need something to wear into the water. Enter House of ZZ. They are a local brand that sells sustainable swimwear for women – so you can feel and look fabulous while out in the water.

Diving Into New Adventures

woman wearing blue bikini — Polina Volynets shot by Sean Neil / wearing the Anniston x Murphy set

Owners Morgan and Michael Rizzuti started their careers in fields much different from where they’ve ended up. They both attended the University of Texas in history and engineering, respectively. While their educational journey didn’t teach them the inner workings of running and operating a business, there was something about Austin’s creative pull that made them realize that this was the place for them to start House of ZZ.

Morgan initially joined the corporate world after finishing college at UT. Over time, she knew that she wanted to leave her corporate job for something more, but wasn’t sure what the future held for her. It was her love of water that eventually inspired her to look into starting a swimwear brand. She had no design experience at the time, but wasn’t going to let that stop her. Morgan loves the power a good outfit – or bikini – has on a person and wanted to share that feeling with the world.

A Focus On Sustainability and Fair Trade

While a love of water was a big part of the business idea, the other reason that Morgan and Michael decided to dive into House of ZZ was the sustainability aspect that they could incorporate. Their initial research on manufacturers and fabric suppliers opened up a whole new world to them. They learned about the (non-)sustainability practices being used in the fashion industry. So instead of using nylon and contributing to all the pre and post-consumer materials that find their way into the ocean and landfills, House of ZZ is using recycled materials to create their bikinis. Their fabrics are derived from industrial plastics, unused fabric scraps, fishing nets, and more – which also results in a stronger, higher quality material.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HOUSE OF ZZ Swimwear (@houseofzz__) on Oct 8, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT

But Morgan and Michael didn’t want to just focus on sustainable products. They planned to work with an overseas manufacturer and wanted to ensure that they found an ethical facility that cared about the employees who worked for them. After doing the research, they made the trip overseas to visit the facility they’d chosen. They learned that not only was this facility the right choice, but it was also more transparent than the U.S. companies they had considered. The bonus perk about the facility they had chosen? Their manufacturers donate a percentage of profits back to ocean conservation initiatives.

“All of this comes with a price, of course, but I’m not doing this because it’s easy. It’s hard, more time intensive, and significantly more expensive,” Morgan said. “But I don’t care. Making a quick buck isn’t the point. Doing something bigger than ourselves is.”

Now that’s a brand message that we can all stand behind.

Behind the Design

Miranda Harrison shot by Carianne Older (@peggyshootsfilm) / wearing the Shaw one piece

House of ZZ draws its inspirations from a multitude of things: places that Morgan and Michael have traveled, swimwear and models from the 80s and 90s, and current trends from influencers. But whether they are worn on a casual day out or a fun vacation to the beach, all House of ZZ pieces are made with one intention in mind: to make the wearer feel good about themselves.

As Morgan explains, none of the suits are worn to cover up bumps or curves or what people misdefine as “flaws.” The female body is like a piece of art. Morgan loves to show it off and complement and accentuate every square inch. All bodies are beautiful and she wants her customers to feel that way when they wear her swimwear.

The 2020 collection includes both bikinis and one pieces. They feature colors like black, white, bronze, and Maya blue as well as a cute floral print called Orange Blossom.

Tackling Challenges Together

Launching is an adventure within itself, but to do so during a pandemic is a whole new battle. Morgan and Michael have been able to face these challenges together while providing support to one another. This means that arguments over bikinis might happen in the kitchen every now and then. But it also means that they have each other’s backs when talking strategy and operations. The Rizzutis understand that they cannot ignore any business-related problems. They are open about providing feedback to each other and accepting constructive criticism.

One of the big challenges that they’ve had to face is learning to take advice from others with a grain of salt. As any new business owner will find out, there will be many people that decide to share their ideas of how you should operate or what you should do with your business. The Rizzutis learned over time that following the advice of others – no matter how experienced they were – can sometimes lead to wasted time and money spent on something that just doesn’t work for your business.

“Soak it all up like a sponge,” Morgan shared with me, “but take it with a grain of salt. Trust your gut – always. Most of the time, it’s probably right.”

From providing an engineer a ton of bikini knowledge to giving a corporate employee the satisfaction of starting her own business based on her passion, the House of ZZ has been quite an adventure for the Rizzutis. I, for one, can’t wait to see what comes next.

Learn more about House of ZZ and shop their bikinis on their website.

@theAustinot wants to know:

What’s your favorite water activity in Austin?

5 Mobile Veterinarians in Austin to Minimize Your Pet’s Stress

July 22, 2020 by Brittany Ballard 2 Comments

Anyone who has a furbaby will agree that our pets are among the most wonderful treasures in the world (even if they cause mischief every now and then). But getting them to the vet can be stressful for everyone involved–furry family member and owner. Luckily, there are multiple businesses in the Austin area that offer mobile veterinary services! If you’re looking for a less stressful way to fit in annual or routine appointments, read on to learn about five local mobile veterinarians who provide gentle house calls for you and your pets.

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8 Austin Jewelry Designers to Consider as You Shop Local

July 14, 2020 by Brittany Ballard 1 Comment

Nobody can deny Austin is a place where creativity and entrepreneurism thrive–often hand in hand. So it’s no surprise that there are a number of local jewelry designers who are rocking it, creating collections that will take your breath away.

From Nina Berenato to Vinca to Kendra Scott, there’s something to fit every style. Next time you’re searching for just the right piece for yourself or a loved one, shop local by checking out these Austin jewelry designers and their work.

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Need a Face Mask? Purchase From These 14 Local Designers

July 3, 2020 by Brittany Ballard 3 Comments

Mask designed by Madelyn Jimenez (Credit: @Chivapetscloset)

Every time I step out of my house to grab supplies, it’s still jarring to see everyone in face masks. As the world starts to reopen, it is clear that these protective accessories won’t be going away anytime soon.

Like everyone, our local fashion and art community has been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 situation. But they’re still working as hard as ever as they pivot to create face masks to protect Austinites. As you look for your own masks to purchase, consider supporting some of these local businesses.

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CASA of Travis County Seeks Advocates to Serve Local Foster Children

June 29, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

CASA of Travis County in Austin — Volunteers are needed to serve even more children (Credit: CASA of Travis County)

There is nothing more important than the well-being of a child. When children have to enter the foster care system, CASA of Travis County is there to provide an unbiased recommendation to the court.

CASA accepts all new cases for children aged one and up, and always needs volunteers to serve as advocates. “For every child in need, CASA of Travis County envisions a trained volunteer advocate, a safe home, and a promising future” (CASA of Travis County). To continue their progress this year, CASA’s goal is to serve 2,200 children with 900 active volunteers in 2020. Continue reading to learn how you can help.

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Deal Alert – Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Caverns in Texas – Austin Caves

Deal Alert – Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour

Caverns in Texas – Best Caves in Austin

Deal Alert – Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

Best Dessert in Austin – Austin Sweets Shop

Deal Alert – Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Best Dessert in Austin – Dessert Places in Austin

Deal Alert – Check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Austin

Fluff Meringues & More (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

NadaMoo! Ice Cream (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)

Diving Into New Adventures

A Focus On Sustainability and Fair Trade

Behind the Design

Tackling Challenges Together

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